The Iowa Senate

State of Iowa

Eighty-First General Assembly

STATEHOUSE

Des Moines, Iowa 50319

For Immediate Release Contact: Sen. McKibben

Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2006 (515) 281-3371

McKibben Blasts Democrats for Blocking Bill to Help Iowa Soldiers

DES MOINES – State Sen. Larry McKibben (R-Marshalltown) today blasted Senate Democrats for playing politics with a bill, SF 2160, he is sponsoring to exempt Iowa soldiers from paying income tax while they are on active duty. The bill has been approved by a Senate subcommittee and was listed on the agenda for today’s Senate Ways and Means Committee meeting, but committee co-chair Sen. Joe Bolkcom (D-Iowa City) would not allow the bill to be considered today.

“This is a good bill to help our troops, and it is shameful that Senate Democrats are holding it up in committee. Iowa’s soldiers deserve better than to have Senate Democrats play politics with this important piece of legislation,” said McKibben.

Under current law, members of the National Guard or military reserves can receive an income tax exemption if they are called to active duty as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Noble Eagle or Operation Enduring Freedom. This bill would exempt Iowa soldiers from paying state income taxes while on federal active duty for anything other than training.

If signed into law, the bill would be retroactive to Jan. 1, 2006.

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